Northrop Grumman, which built the aircraft, says the Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System took off Friday afternoon, climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet, flew several racetrack-type patterns, and landed safely 29 minutes later.

The company says the successful test further proves the reliability of the tailless, fighter-sized aircraft and the navigation system that allows it to operate without a pilot on board.

The X-47B will be sent to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., later this year and will eventually undergo flight trials on an aircraft carrier.

Northrop Grumman's six-year contract calls for the development of two X-47B aircraft.